Purse Seine Fishing Nets: How They Work and How to Choose the Right Net
1. What Is a Purse Seine Net?
A purse seine is a large wall-shaped fishing net designed to surround a school of fish.
During fishing, the net is deployed around the target fish. Once the net has formed a circle, the purse line is hauled in through the rings along the bottom of the net. This closes the lower part of the net and prevents the fish from escaping downward.
The net is then hauled toward the fishing vessel, gradually concentrating the fish until they can be taken onboard.
Unlike many other fishing nets, a purse seine depends heavily on its overall dimensions and coordinated operation with the fishing vessel.
2. How Does Purse Seine Fishing Work?
A typical purse seine operation involves several stages.
First, the fishing vessel locates a suitable school of fish. The net is then released and deployed around the school.
After the net has surrounded the fish, the purse line is pulled through the rings along the bottom. This closes the bottom of the net and creates the characteristic "purse" shape.
The vessel then begins hauling the net. As the net becomes smaller, the fish are concentrated into an increasingly smaller area.
The effectiveness of the operation depends on how quickly and securely the net can surround and retain the fish.
3. What Materials Are Used for Purse Seine Nets?
Synthetic materials are commonly used for modern purse seine nets because they provide a useful combination of strength, flexibility, durability, and relatively low weight.
Nylon
Nylon is widely used for fishing nets because of its flexibility and good knot strength. It can be suitable for applications where a soft and flexible net structure is required.
PE (Polyethylene)
PE nets are known for their relatively low water absorption, good strength-to-weight ratio, and durability. They are commonly used in different commercial fishing applications.
The choice between nylon and PE depends on the fishing method, target species, net design, operating conditions, and customer's requirements.
4. Important Purse Seine Net Specifications
When ordering a purse seine net, several specifications should be confirmed.
Mesh Size
Mesh size is one of the most important specifications. It affects fish retention and the selectivity of the net.
The appropriate mesh size depends on the target species and local fishing regulations.
Twine Diameter
Twine diameter affects the net's strength, weight, water resistance, and handling characteristics.
A heavier twine can provide greater strength, but it may also increase the overall weight and drag of the net.
Net Length and Depth
Purse seine nets can be very large, so both length and depth need to be considered carefully.
The required dimensions depend on the size of the fishing operation, vessel, target species, and expected fishing depth.
Net Construction
The net can be manufactured according to different constructions, including different mesh arrangements, hanging ratios, selvedges, and reinforcement sections.
These details can affect the net's shape and performance during deployment and hauling.
5. How to Choose the Right Purse Seine Net?
There is no universal purse seine net suitable for every fishing operation.
Before production, it is important to confirm:
Target fish species
Fishing area and operating conditions
Required mesh size
Net length and depth
Twine material and diameter
Knotted or knotless construction
Vessel size and fishing equipment
Required accessories and reinforcement
The net should be designed according to the complete fishing operation rather than selected based on mesh size alone.
6. Why Net Quality Matters
Purse seine nets are repeatedly deployed, hauled, folded, and stored. They can also be exposed to strong tension during fishing.
Therefore, consistent material quality, stable mesh dimensions, reliable knot or connection strength, and proper finishing are important for long-term use.
For large commercial nets, production accuracy is especially important because even small differences in dimensions or construction can become significant when the net is several hundred meters long.
Conclusion
A purse seine net is a large and complex fishing system designed to surround and retain schooling fish. Its performance depends on the interaction of mesh size, twine material, twine diameter, net dimensions, construction, and fishing equipment.
Before purchasing a purse seine net, buyers should provide detailed information about the target species, fishing method, vessel, and required net specifications. This allows the net to be matched more accurately to the actual fishing conditions.
QinHo manufactures customized fishing nets in different materials, mesh sizes, dimensions, and constructions for commercial fishing applications. With experience in international fishing-net markets, we can discuss the required specifications and production details according to each fishing operation.